FAQs

You will need to bring bedding (if you do not have, this we can supply it) and your own food.

Beyond that, you should bring all items that make your room feel like home or that will help you with your stay. In general, think in terms of packing for a college dorm. For instance:

A bath caddy for your toiletries is very helpful.

Electronics are allowed.

Many people bring a small lock box to keep cash and valuables.

You are welcome to bring your own vehicle and parking is available.

What should I not bring?

You may not bring anything containing alcohol, such as Listerine, NyQuil, etc. Any prescriptions you take for mental or physical health needs must be approved and documented.

What can parents and family members do to support you during this process?

First, they should support themselves. Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, SMART Recovery Meetings and addiction family therapy are all recommended. We also can put them in touch with other parents who have had family members in our program—they are a great support system!

As far as supporting you, your family members can contact Evolve Life Centers’™ owner and managers anytime to find out how to best meet your needs.

What are the weekly requirements/expectations?

As a participant in the Evolve Life Centers™ program, you are required to:

Remain clean and sober and monitored urinalysis and Breathalyzer tests as requested.

Attend 12 step program of your choice weekly. (During the 30 days of clean/sober time, 7 meetings a week; after the initial 30 days, 5 per week)

Attend the weekly house meeting.

Obtain a sponsor, attend home group and work the steps.

Abide by curfew and house rules.

Complete your weekly chore.

What is different during the first-month orientation period?

During the first 30 days there is extra support. You will be peered with a peer mentor who will help you through the daily routine. You will also have extra restrictions and requirements. If you meet all the expectations, you will unlock more freedom and self-accountability.

There is also a restricted curfew, with no overnight privileges/passes. Meeting slips must be signed and stamped, proving daily meeting attendance, working on obtaining a sponsor and home group by the end of the 30-day period. If you do not have employment, turning in a minimum of 2 job applications per week is required. Resume assistance will be provided if necessary.

What is the average length of stay?

There is no typical length of stay. Our participants develop strong relationships and support within the home and program. This allows them to recover in a safe, secure and structured environment.

Everyone’s progress is different. We recommend discussing transitioning out of the program with their sponsor, therapist and or support groups before making a decision.

There is also a restricted curfew, with no overnight privileges/passes. Meeting slips must be signed and stamped, proving daily meeting attendance, working on obtaining a sponsor and home group by the end of the 30-day period. If you do not have employment, turning in a minimum of 2 job applications per week is required. Resume assistance will be provided if necessary.

How is the environment/atmosphere? What systems are in place to ensure security?

Our homes are newly constructed. The homes have been tastefully decorated by an interior designer and specially designed to create a warm, clean, home-like setting.

We have our own maintenance crew to handle repairs. Chores are assigned to the participants and checked by the assistant manager. Room checks are also done to keep a clean, tranquil living environment.

All entrances and common areas are monitored by cameras. The doors are secured by a code lock that is changed frequently to ensure only participants have access to the code. The doors lock automatically when closed. We have motion lights on all entrances.

There is also a restricted curfew, with no overnight privileges/passes. Meeting slips must be signed and stamped, proving daily meeting attendance, working on obtaining a sponsor and home group by the end of the 30-day period. If you do not have employment, turning in a minimum of 2 job applications per week is required. Resume assistance will be provided if necessary.

How do I pay?

We accept check, credit card, PayPal and online payment on this website. We try to work with all funding and grants. We do not accept insurance. Payment is due upon coming to our home and every week at the house meeting.

Can we work while in the program?

Yes you can. Having a job is part of our first 30 day requirement and we highly encourage people to start working and getting on their way to becoming fully self-supportive again.

Do you help participants obtain employment?

Yes. Life coaching is available. A life coach will help you with a resume and come up with a realistic plan for obtaining employment. Some employment opportunities are available through our program, which will help the participants with fees until they are able to find employment.

What kind of activities are offered?

We offer a variety of house activities, such as yoga, gardening, meditation, nutrition, house dinners, movie night, tubing trips, bowling, self defense classes, painting nights, etc. The house manager plans an activity once a month and the assistant plans a short activity that occurs during the last house meeting of each month. Some of the house meeting activities have consisted of writing affirmations, discussing values, setting goals and sharing gratitude list.

Is there a curfew?

Our curfew is 11pm for the first 30 days. After that if participant has followed all rules and completed the first 30 day requirements the curfew is extended and can also start getting overnight stays. Exceptions are made for recovery-related events, such as attending the midnight meeting or NA events such as Rock ‘n’ Bowl, etc.

Are overnights allowed?

Yes. During the first 30 days overnights are not permitted, but after that period 2 overnights per week are allowed. An overnight request form should be turned into the manager a minimum of 24 hours in advance. During holidays an extra overnight pass is permitted, allowing 3 overnights.

You may also take a family vacation for up to a week. Vacation request forms need to be turned in and approved by the manager after verifying you will be staying with family in a safe environment and a plan for meeting attendance is established in advance.

Is the house close to public transportation?

Transportation is provided by Recovery Support Services through the Health Department for all doctor appointments, therapists, counseling, and IOP. There are multiple bus lines that run to the Arundel Mills Mall, Marley Station Mall and Quarterfield Station.

Where are the closest meetings?

There will be meeting directories available in each house, stating the day, time and a description of each meeting along with the address. Most meetings can be reached by bus.

Can we have children/pets?

Children may visit during the visiting hours and receive occasional overnight visits if approved by management. Personal pets may not be brought to the house; however, occasionally we participate in a fostering programs to temporarily take care of homeless animals, contingent upon each participant’s allergies and preferences.